Meet Cristian, a one-year-old baby boy from Guatemala. “When Cristian came to us, we immediately recognized that he was suffering from acute malnutrition,” reports our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “His mother reports he has periodic diarrhea and is not growing as well as his neighbors. Indeed his height and weight are far below the average for his age, and he is lagging developmentally behind his peers.”
“Where Cristian’s family lives, food security is a large issue, as many families do not have alternative options to earn higher incomes,” says WK. “Cristian’s parents strive to create the best lives possible for their children, but with a third baby on the way, Cristian’s mother worries they will not have enough money to supply them with the food they need to thrive.”
The effects of Cristian’s malnutrition are persistent. “Insufficient intake due to food insecurity, and excessive output due to parasitic disease or bacterial infection prevent Cristian from absorbing the nutrients necessary to grow developmentally and physically,” explains WK. “Without intervention, this will affect Cristian’s ability to build a strong immune system, thus increasing his susceptibility to other illnesses.”
For $535.00, Cristian can receive comprehensive treatment for acute malnutrition, which will allow him to avoid its permanent effects. “He will recoup the weight and height he has lost and begin to catch up developmentally to his peers. Deworming medication will remove the parasitic infection causing his diarrhea, and he will have the chance to grow to his full potential,” says WK. “He will receive nutritional support, thus allowing his brain to grow and develop normally. His mother will be given the educational tools to prevent malnutrition in her new baby and older son, as well as to continue Cristian’s treatment.”
“I just want my children to have the option of a better future,” shares Cristian’s mother. “I could see my child was not growing, and I am so thankful that you have taken notice and want to help him.”
WK adds: “With Watsi donor support, we believe this child will fully recover.”
